How to Put a Skim Coat on Drywall

A casual look at the surface of unfinished drywall gives the impression that the surface is smooth. But a closer look reveals a subtle cross-hatch textured pattern on its surface. This texture becomes more apparent after the drywall joints are mudded and taped. To give the drywall a more homogeneous look without any cross-hatched textured areas, put a skim coat on drywall after the taping and mudding is complete. That small bit of extra effort pays big dividends in the finished look of your room.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• All-purpose joint compound
• Drywall trowel
• Disposable paper mask
• Ball cap (optional)
• Hand-held light
• Fine grit sandpaper
• Sanding block
• Soft cloth

1. Thin out joint compound. Add a small amount of water to the joint compound and mix well. You don't want it too thin---the consistency of a thick gravy or red tomato pasta sauce is what you're aiming for.

2. Start at an upper corner of the wall and work your way down and across. Put on some joint compound with the trowel. Holding the trowel at a close to 45-degree angle to the wall, wipe off the excess joint compound. Enough will remain to cover up the small recesses on the drywall. Try to get the first coat fairly even, but don't worry about small imperfections. You can remove those when sanding later.

3. Let the joint compound dry for the time recommended by the manufacturer, generally two to four hours.

4. Apply a second skim coat if desired, using the same techniques as outlined in Step 2.

5. Sand out minor imperfections. Using the sanding block loaded with fine grit sandpaper, systematically sand the wall, starting in an upper corner and working across and down. Hold the portable light in one hand while sanding with the other. This will highlight any small imperfections that need attention.

6. Remove the sanding dust with a damp, soft cloth. Make sure to wring out as much water as you can; you should barely be able to tell the cloth is damp.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a paper mask to keep sanding dust out of your lungs. It may be helpful to wear a ball cap or a different type of cap with a visor to help keep sanding dust out of your eyes.
• Don't be tempted to clean up the sanding dust on the newly coated drywall with a vacuum cleaner; it is likely you'll nick, gash, or otherwise mar the finish with the vacuum.